Lawyer and Administrator Set to Lead BCCI
Devajit Saikia, a lawyer and former cricketer, is poised to become one of the most influential figures in world cricket as the secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Known for his fiery personality and strong political connections, Saikia’s rise to the top comes despite a relatively quiet cricketing career.
The 55-year-old was the sole nominee for the BCCI secretary position and is expected to be formally appointed during a meeting in Mumbai on Sunday. The BCCI, known as one of the wealthiest and most powerful governing bodies in sports, wields significant influence over global cricket.
Early Career and Foray into Cricket Administration
Saikia’s cricketing journey began as a wicketkeeper for Assam, where he played four first-class matches during the 1990-91 season, scoring 53 runs in total. Despite his modest career as a player, Saikia made a name for himself in cricket administration, starting as the general secretary of a cricket club in Assam.
He worked closely with Himanta Biswa Sarma, who now serves as the Chief Minister of Assam and is a prominent member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Their partnership extended into the Assam Cricket Association, where Saikia gained experience in governance.
Political Connections and Entry into BCCI
Saikia’s transition into cricket’s upper echelons was influenced by his political connections. In 2016, Sarma appointed Saikia as the Advocate General of Assam, making him the state government’s chief legal advisor.
His association with the BJP mirrors the broader trend of political alignment within Indian cricket. For instance, Jay Shah, who served as BCCI secretary before becoming the International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman, is the son of India’s Home Minister, Amit Shah.
Interim Role and Upcoming Appointment
Saikia became the interim BCCI secretary following Jay Shah’s elevation to ICC chairman. While some critics in Assam questioned the appropriateness of Saikia holding a state government position alongside his BCCI responsibilities, he dismissed the allegations as baseless.
Personal Interests and Legacy
Away from his professional duties, Saikia is passionate about adventure sports and enjoys biking. Despite initially being reluctant to enter cricket administration, he has embraced the role to combat what he described as “corruption” in cricket governance in Assam.
As he prepares to take charge of the BCCI, Saikia’s journey underscores a unique blend of legal acumen, cricketing experience, and political influence, making him a key figure in shaping the future of Indian cricket.
